It’s winter - and post-Christmas boredom is setting in among children. Pure Ludington has answers for you! Here are some ways we have found to keep kids busy, active and creative during the snowy season.
The Mason County District Library hosts a number of indoor activities to entertain children and teens. The kids’ corner of the library has a number of genre selections, board games, computer stations and special events. It often holds craft nights, vieo game tournaments and movie nights - at two locations, Ludington and Scottville.
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Music and art activities can be found at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts. It has a regular schedule of concerts and workshops, designed for all ages. LACA hosts a weekly ukulele club and offers musical lessons for those who want to learn to play an instrument.
Art by Mary Case, which is new to town, also has classes for kids of all ages and skill levels. You can enjoy an authentic, studio experience and gain skill in a variety of mediums, taught by owner and resident artist, Mary Case. There are painting and pottery classes, private lessons and parties available.
Interactive exhibits and events are the specialty of Sandcastles Children’s Museum. While it is closed in January for renovations, it will be back open in February on weekends. Exhibits range from the S.S. Badger car ferry to an ice cream parlor and sound stage. Preschoolers can take advantage of weekly parachute play and sensory table. The museum offers activities like craft projects, music and yoga as well. Daily admission is $7.
Catch a basketball game at a local high school, like Ludington or Mason County Central. West Shore Community College Ice Arena also hosts the West Shore Wolves hockey games. You could also attend a public iceskating session, or take skating lessons.
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If you’re looking for other ways to stay active, check out the WSCC Recreation Center, where you can take a swim, play ball in the gymnasium or use the exercise equipment. This is an indoor location the whole family can enjoy. Another swimming pool open to the public can be found at OJ DeJonge Middle School, where lap swim time is held Monday-Friday, 6-7:30 a.m. and open swim is Saturday-Sunday, 6-8 p.m.
Those who prefer to be outside should bundle up and head to the Ludington State Park. Getting dressed is part of the experience! Put on layers and head to the warming shelter, where there are snowshoes available to use, free of charge. If you choose, you could also explore the park property by hiking or on cross-country skiis. It’s a beautiful place to be in any season. The park hosts guided tours and events in January and February.
The state park is also a great place to go sledding. Take the Skyline Trail up the stairway, and you will find a dune overlooking Lake Michigan. Sail down the hill on a sled or tube and get your exercise by making your way back up - to do it all over again!
Check out Consumers Park as another place to go sledding, or try the disc golf courses on site. The Ludington School Forest also has a disc golf area, called the Leviathan.
Lastly, plan a service project. Plan an afternoon of giving: Look around a neighborhood for ways to serve someone. Shovel a walk, walk a dog, take out someone’s trash, carry groceries - any way to make one’s day a little brighter. If you’d like to join an public service organization already in place, choose here.
Please share your winter fun with us on Facebook and Instagram, using #PureLudington.
